train voyage europe

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Train & Rail Tours & Trips in Europe

Explore Europe with a train adventure that will take through world-renowned locations such as France (Paris), Italy (Rome, Venice and Florence) or the beautiful city of Prague. If you feel like going even further, Spain (Barcelona and Madrid) are a great choice. While you're in Europe, don't miss out on London and discover everything it can offer.

112 Train & Rail tour packages in Europe with 978 reviews

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Berlin to Venice (15 Days) (including Salzburg)

• In-depth Cultural

Berlin to Rome

All the places were amazing,but the hotels on Italy were not the same quality standards. They could be better.

Glacier Express & Porsche 911 Rail & Drive Experience

Paris to Barcelona: Tapas & Train Rides

European Trail: Capitals & Cafés

Central Europe Group Rail Tour (18-35)

The highlight of our year so far! ???? Me and my partner loved the Central Europe Tour ????(2 weeks), we would recommend it to ANYONE! And we would even suggest doing the Whole of Europe tour (4 weeks), as we could have easily carried on travelling with this company and the amazing people we met! ????The whole trip was thoroughly planned and so enjoyable! Such a stress free experience, especially for someone like myself who gets quite anxious when travelling - I would 100% do again!???????? I met some incredible individuals, and the group planned activities were just what we needed to establish really strong bonds straight away! We have definitely made some lifelong friends and memories we will forever cherish! ???????????? The creation of the WhatsApp group chat with all our fellow travellers beforehand was so beneficial!???? It broke the ice and put our minds at ease about the uncertainty of the upcoming trip ???? And our guide Cristina ???? - was brilliant, super friendly, helpful, considerate and extremely knowledgeable - educating us all. She was available 24/7, and we had the pleasure of spending our last day in Venice with her! ???????????? She deserves a lot of credit for making all our experiences amazing and unforgettable! Thank you Cristina ???????? We look forward to our future bookings with Euroventure! ????????

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

European Romance

Whole of Europe Group Rail Tour (18-35)

Absolutely amazing experience, well organised and no problems which made my adventure run smoothly. Would definitely book threw this company again :)

Highlights of Europe (Classic, Summer, Start Amsterdam, End London, 13 Days)

Eco-Comfort - Tour Of Italy By Train

When we landed in Venice, we had to find our own transportation to the hotel in Venice. We chose the Agunalinia public airport waterbus service. Our hotel was the last stop. The waterbus is only permitted to travel at 11 knots per hour. The speed is policed as waves are know to cause structural damage. We did see private boats and water taxi services speeding merily along. Our transfer took 55 minutes, which could have been accomplished in 15. The end of our tour out of Sorrento, we had excellent service with a train station pick up, and hotel to airport drop off. We were perplexed as to why such a transfer service could not have been included and arranged for the Venice section of the tour. We were quoted 60 Euros for a private Venice airport to hotel transfer. Having never visited Venice before, we opted for the local public airport bus, at our loss. Belle Arti Venice hotel did not have any irons and did not permit the use of one. The pillows were like brocks. The young breakfast staff were courteous and polite, yet the female front desk person, and older breakfast lady were curt and dismissive. The Executive Hotel in Florence was splendid in its unabashed luxury. We were placed in a lovely room which had a balustrade of curtains across the top of the window and a draped wall to ceiling gathered sheet hanging from a gold bar at the back top of the bed. Adrian, the front desk clerk spoke exceptional English and was well versed in Montelcino and Montelpuliciano wines. His colleague, the bar hostess, was also very accommodating with evening tapas sellections and Prosecco tastings. One note to make about the added-on tour to Montelcino and Montelpuliciano, would be to not have the Montelcino wine tastings take place at 11:00 a.m., then the long stair climbing experience in Montelpuliciano. Have these two town experiences reversed, saving the Montelcino tastings for the end of the tour, leaving energy to climb for the morning part of the tour. There were no tastings in Montelpuliciano, other than privately sourced. Service and the room at the Hotel Astoria in Sorrento were fabulous. Franco picked us up at the train station, and allowed for a quick photo taking option on the way into Sorrento. Alfonzo, both bell hops were congenial, friendly and very helpful. Roberta, the front desk clerk was always ready to assist in locating information from her computer. Raquela was a treat to speak with, who told me about the hotel's arrangement with a private beach club, allowing hotel guests a discounted rate, and the loan of a beach towel. Luigi was our boat captain for the add-on Capris tour. Unfortunately, while this tour does state snorkeling would be included, there were only a small supply of snorkel masks on board, and no snorkels or flippers. Luigi was a very skilled driver taking us well into the grottos. The tour did not have any limoncello tasting as stated in the description, nor was there a stop at or a viewing of the Amalfi coast. Four hours on Capris was lengthy given that we were expecting free time on the Amalfi beach.

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Contrasts of Switzerland (8 Days)

The tour guide picked people she liked and hung around them although she did not speak to everyone other than tour info. She walked very fast like she was in marathon and people had problems keeping up to her. She misleading and assumed things about people without speaking with them. She did not care about some people. At one point the group left us and we did know where they went. She also stuck in away from the others and spoke to rest of the people with her back to us; in other words segerated us from the others. I spoke to her and she quickly changed things so we could sit with others. I will be writing Trafalgar about this when time for me is available. However, Trafalgar should know about this. We consider her a poor tour guide and requires more training. She is assumtive with a poor attitude about people that are slower than others. She does not treat all with respect.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre & Venice in 7 Days

It was a good trip all together. It covers a lot in a short span of time. The day trip to pisa and cinque terre was fun. Venice was a short day, basically exploring it by yourself. Also it would have been good if the group size were indicated at the beginning of the trip, As there were tours were i was the only one with the tour guide.

Italy By Train

Our tour included a 2 day rail pass for Cinque Terre for a party of four, but it turns out what we received was only good for one day. We found this out when our tickets were checked by an official from TrenItalia. As a result we were each fined 55 Euros, plus we were required to purchase a ticket back to La Spezia. I have contacted Wingbuddy, but their after sales service is abysmal. They appear to be seriously understaffed. They no longer answer the phone for existing reservations, and they don't accept voicemail messages. As a result you need to send them an email, and it typically takes several days to get a response. This incident happened on Sept. 19, and as of Oct. 1 it has not been resolved. To date, I have received one email that says this will require investigation. While the rest of the experience was good, the poor customer service makes me very hesitant to recommend them.

London to Istanbul Rail Adventure

London to Istanbul Rail Adventure + Cappadocia Extension

What people love about train & rail tours in europe.

Overal a great experience, the guides ensure you have an authentic experience and take care of the difficult parts of traveling. It's a long trip and designed for those wanting to see much of central Europe in a short amount of time. I have taken away many good memories with the people I travelled with, and have formed a deeper understanding of western art, history and culture. Highly recommend.

The highlight of our year so far! ? Me and my partner loved the Central Europe Tour ?(2 weeks), we would recommend it to ANYONE! And we would even suggest doing the Whole of Europe tour (4 weeks), as we could have easily carried on travelling with this company and the amazing people we met! ?The whole trip was thoroughly planned and so enjoyable! Such a stress free experience, especially for someone like myself who gets quite anxious when travelling - I would 100% do again!?? I met some incredible individuals, and the group planned activities were just what we needed to establish really strong bonds straight away! We have definitely made some lifelong friends and memories we will forever cherish! ??? The creation of the WhatsApp group chat with all our fellow travellers beforehand was so beneficial!? It broke the ice and put our minds at ease about the uncertainty of the upcoming trip ? And our guide Cristina ? - was brilliant, super friendly, helpful, considerate and extremely knowledgeable - educating us all. She was available 24/7, and we had the pleasure of spending our last day in Venice with her! ??? She deserves a lot of credit for making all our experiences amazing and unforgettable! Thank you Cristina ?? We look forward to our future bookings with Euroventure! ??

Just got home from an amazing 4 week group trip with Euroventure! As someone who hadn’t really travelled before, it was really reassuring to have all the accommodation and travel sorted out for us. It was also really great to be accompanied by a tour leader (shout out to the legends Cristina and Kev) who made our experiences all the more enjoyable. Getting from place to place was always super chilled as our tour leader knew what to do and where to go. All the hostels were clean and comfy and some even provided us with free brekkie! The included activities were a real highlight and helped us to get the most out of our trip, but it was also good to have plenty of free time to do our own thing. I would really recommend travelling with Euroventure to anybody who is considering it, you will have the time of your life!

Travel Styles

• Best Train Travel Companies
• Best 3 Weeks Europe Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Luxury River Cruises & Lines 2022
• Hiking in Europe in February
• Hiking in Europe in January
• Hiking in Europe in March
• Hiking in Europe in April
• Hiking in Europe in May
• Hiking in Europe in June
• Hiking in Europe in July
• Hiking in Europe in August
• Hiking in Europe in September
• Hiking in Europe in October
• Hiking in Europe in December

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• North America
• South America
• South Pacific
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 14 most scenic train journeys in Europe

Pack a book, hop on board and enjoy the most scenic train journeys in Europe, from west to east and north to south

From glaciers and fjords to deserts and plains,   Europe ’s home to some of the world’s most mind-blowing natural landscapes. And so, logically, it makes a heck of a lot of sense that the finest scenic rail journeys in Europe – train routes which are specifically designed to show off those spectacular landscapes – are amongst   the best in the entire world .

The European continent’s finest scenic rail journeys also double up as pilgrimages to sites of incredible feats of engineering. These trains scale dramatic mountains, plunge through ginormous tunnels and span vast distances. You won’t just be gob-smacked by the view: you’ll wonder how on earth you’re able to experience it from the comfort of a locomotive.

And, before you say anything, no, scenic rail routes certainly aren’t just for rail geeks. Oh no. They’re also amongst the most comfortable and supremely romantic ways of getting around. As well as being much better for the planet than cars and planes, train travel is a destination in itself – and that’s even more the case with scenic routes. So, without further ado, here are our top 14 scenic railways in Europe right now.

RECOMMENDED: 🚂  The best train journeys in the world 🚅  The best train journeys in Asia 🚉  The world’s most spectacular train stations

An email you’ll actually love

Best train journeys in Europe

1.  Oslo to Bergen, Norway

Connecting Oslo and Bergen is the fairytale Bergen Line. Take it in spring or autumn, and the voyage plays out like a living painting of all four seasons, as blustery flower meadows and lush valleys fade into icy forests of pine and glittering lakes. It’s a journey that’s quite possibly up there with the best in the world. It makes little difference which way you travel – views are equally OTT in both directions, on both sides of the tracks – but start in the morning to ensure you get a full day of views on the seven-hour trip. Ticket prices are generally quite affordable, but onboard food will set you back, so pack snacks.

2.  Belgrade to Bar, Serbia and Montenegro

Often referred to as ‘the Balkan Express’, the 11-hour (on a good day) jaunt from Belgrade to Bar celebrates civil engineering and natural majesty. A whopping 435 bridges are traversed as the train trundles from the Serbian capital to Montenegro’s largest port, working as a time machine through the twentieth century in these parts. That means socialist architecture in Užice, modern ski resorts in Kolašin and the rapidly developing tourism of Montenegro’s southern coast. The last stretch is particularly stunning.

3.  Palma to Sóller, Majorca

The electric train line that links Majorca’s capital, Palma, with the northern town of Sóller was originally built to ship oranges across the island. Its vintage wooden carriages rattle out of central Palma, through the city’s hinterlands and across the great dry plains of southern Majorca. After a stop in Bunyola, it’s a steady climb into the foothills – followed by the sudden pitch black of the Sóller tunnel. And then comes the best bit: a winding route through the lush peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana, with incredible views over Sóller’s distant church, before the final descent. The whole trip only takes an hour, leaving plenty of time to catch the heritage tram down to Port de Sóller and cool off in the sea before the return leg.

4.  Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog, Wales

The small mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog has fallen on tough times with the demise of the slate mining industry, but the little steam railway that connects it with Porthmadog harbour is a gorgeous route showing Wales at its most magnificent. Most of the journey snakes through Snowdonia National Park, with plenty of stop-off options for travellers with time on their hands. The Ffestiniog Railway Company is also the oldest independent railway company on the planet, another layer of awesome to this gorgeous experience. 

5.  Zermatt to St. Moritz, Switzerland

If you’ve high expectations of an experience named ‘The Glacier Express’, get ready for them to be exceeded and then some. This mountain marvel connects the resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, and the panoramic views make this one of the best ways to embrace all this dramatic landscape offers. The seven-and-a-half-hour journey traverses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and a whole lot of beauty. 

6.  The Brocken, Germany

Another gorgeous journey from base to summit, The Brocken Railway picks wide-eyed passengers up from the settlement on the edge of Harz National Park called Drei Annen-Hohne. When the ride is over, those passengers find themselves on top of the world, or at least on top of the Brocken, the highest peak in Northern Germany. The journey is all tight turns, dramatic valleys, snowy vistas and lose-yourself imagery at a maximum speed of 40km/h. 

7.  Barcelona to Montserrat, Spain

There are plenty of ways to travel from Barcelona to the base of Montserrat mountain, but we’re putting our eggs firmly in the basket marked ‘train’. Actually, that would be ‘tren’ in Catalan, but you get the idea. There is a wide range of tickets available for the journey, though we recommend getting one that covers not just your train from Barcelona and then either the cable car or rack railway up the mountain itself, but also entry into the Montserrat Museum.

8.  Fort William to Mallaig, Scotland

A constant on lists of the world’s most beautiful train journeys, Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train is an 84-mile stunner traversing the magic of Scotland from Fort William to Mallaig. Booking ahead is an absolute must but totally worth it, as the journey transports visitors across a landscape that takes the term ‘rugged’ and redefines it in that inimitable Scottish way. Some call it the Hogwarts Express after its turn in the Harry Potter films, and you can insert your own magical comment here.

9.  Myrdal to Flåm, Norway

Another frequent face on lists of the world’s best train journeys, the line between Myrdal and Flåm in Norway bridges the divide between impossibly cute and absolutely monolithic. That’s Norway in a nutshell, right? The small things are all quaint and idyllic, while the big ones bluster through stunning cliffs, jagged mountains and awe-inspiring scenery. The Flåm Railway climbs a whopping 867 metres into the sky and back, with a short shop at the Kjosfossen waterfall as the cherry on top. 

10.  Chur to Poschiavo, Switzerland

Switzerland is every bit as spectacular as its reputation suggests it might be. Actually, this place is woefully undersold and the rail route between Chur and Poschiavo is further proof, a jaw-dropping run that takes lucky passengers through the heart of the Swiss Alps. The famous mountains unravel on either side of the train, scenery that tends to see passengers put their cameras down and stare at the wonders at hand. The Bernina Express continues toward Tirano in Italy for those who need even more scenery. 

11.  La Rhune, France

What an absolute stunner of a ride. From the foot of the Pyrenees to the top via an early 1900s cog railway, the quaintest of quaint trains scaling a mighty height. It can be a little jarring, but the cobwebs are soon blown away by the stunning vistas and the majesty that awaits at the summit. The train only runs from April to September, round-trip tickets cost €20 (an absolute bargain), and it begins its journey in the town of Sare, some 10km or so from Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

12.  Prague to Bratislava, Czech Republic and Slovakia

Okay, the scenery outside the window between Prague and Bratislava is nothing to write home about. Is it pretty? Sure, we’d expect nothing less from this part of the world, but the real fun of this route is found inside. A train journey spent in a Central European restaurant car is one of those most eccentric travel experiences, so make an immediate beeline for that part of the train when boarding. Line up some excellent Czech  pivo  and enjoy the conveyor belt of characters who will invariably make their way through the car. 

13.  Málaga to El Chorro, Spain

While you can’t get a train across the thrilling and terrifying Caminito del Rey walkway, you can still experience a great journey on the way. The train from Malaga to El Chorro is a stunner, a fast route that takes less than 45 minutes and will set you back less than a tenner. That gives you just under 45 minutes to enjoy the stunning scenery and dredge up the courage to traverse the famous walkway. 

14.  Mostar to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina doesn’t have many trains, but it remains an absolute must for lovers of rail travel. Why? Well, the stretch of track between Mostar and Jablanica quickly answers that question. It offers a jaw-dropping array of twists and turns that hug the cerulean blue of the ice-cold Neretva river, as jagged cliffs hem everything in from all sides. Sure, you need to get up early to catch the train, but it is worth that sunrise alarm. The route continues to Sarajevo, passing through charming Konjic and several satellite towns along the way.

[image] [title]

More on train travel

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

• Train Tickets
• City Breaks
• Trans-Siberian
• Luxury Trains
• Rail Passes
• Reservations
• Scenic Trains
• Deals & Featured
• Where to start

find-journey

Rail tours through europe.

HappyRail has been the go-to European rail travel specialist for over 20 years. Our unique and custom-made individual rail tours are booked for you by our train travel experts and refined by years of experience. You recieve a comprehensive information package for every travel day, including travel descriptions, maps, all tickets and reservations, and more. Flexibility Our Rail tours are fully flexible in length. Customize your stay at each stop in the tours according to your own wishes. For each tour, a set of stations across Europe are available as selectable starting points from where we book all the train tickets you need. Feel free reach out to our train travel experts for further advice! Swiss rail tours For those who can't get enough of luxury, comfort, and breathtaking views, Switzerland is a dream destination. Every rail tour through Switzerland is unique, and with a wide range of options, there's always a tour that suits you. No panoramic train will be missed during a Switzerland tour. Thanks to the panoramic windows and the leisurely pace of the Glacier Express, you can fully enjoy the most beautiful parts of the Swiss Alps. The Bernina Express takes you through thirteen tunnels, 52 viaducts, and the famous spiral viaduct to the Italian border. Views of mountain passes and lakes will also be part of your tour. In short, a train tour in Switzerland offers endless variety and is highly recommended. We offer three distinct rail tours in Switzerland, each with it's own combination of scenic railways, as well as the  Grand Tour of Europe  and  Heart of Europe  rail tours across multiple countries but also featuring the best of Switzerland's scenic railways. Mediterranean Train Tours The countries around the Mediterranean are suitable for more than just relaxation: they are also fantastic destinations for (active) rail tours. You can discover the authentic villages of Cinque Terre in Italy. Combined with cities like Rome and Florence into one rail tour, you'll explore this beautiful part of Italy in a way that no other mode of transportation allows. Italian high-speed trains are the fastest and most comfortable way to explore the country. In Spain, a tour through the undiscovered north of the country or a trip through breathtaking Andalusia might be the perfect journey for you. Direct local or high-speed trains take you from one fascinating city to another, with hotels and train itineraries booked based on years of experience. For island lovers, train tours are possible in Sicily and Corsica , where our package rail tours also contain tickets with comfortable sea-view cabins on the boats to and from the islands, and where you stay in the most authentic local hotels. Scandinavian rail tours Discover Norway at its best with one of our train tours. Our favorite is the Norway in a Nutshell: no highlight is missed. You'll ride through the diverse landscape between Oslo and Vatnahalsen on the famous Bergen Railway, in the luxury and comfort of Norwegian trains. You can continue the perhaps most beautiful train journey in the world with the world-famous Flåm Railway, followed by a boat and train journey through the impressive Nærøyfjord to Bergen. From Bergen, you can choose to continue traveling with the Hurtigruten to get a view of the beautiful Norwegian fjords, and the Dovre Railway is a train ride that cannot be missed during your train tour of Norway. If, after all these beautiful train rides, you still can't get enough of the stunning Scandinavian landscape, a train tour of Norway can also be perfectly combined with a train tour of Sweden and Finland! The Inlandsbanan is one of the most beautiful train routes in all of Scandinavia. The 1296-kilometer railway runs straight through Sweden with the most beautiful views along the way: endless forests, rivers, bridges, lakes, and even wildlife will pass by during the journey. In addition to a visit to Stockholm, many come to Sweden for Swedish Lapland, known for its wild landscape and the chance to see the Northern Lights in winter. Cross the Arctic Circle in this area with the Arctic Circle train or travel with one of the many other comfortable night trains through the Swedish landscape. Finally, a train tour through Sweden can also be perfectly combined with a tour of Norway and Finland if you're looking for even more variation of unique natural phenomena. Germany, Austria & central Europe Europe's most impressive historical cities can be found in it's heartland. You'll also find some of the most comfortable express trains here, with dining cars and comfortable 1st class or even business class carriages. A best-seller, with good reason is the  Highlights of Austria  rail tour, combining comfortable direct express trains with the prettiest cities in Austria, travelling through landscapes straight out of the Sound of Music movie. Vienna and Salzburg are cities you must have visited at least once. The Romantic Road railtour takes you through fairytale-like landscapes and Germany, where you get to see medieval castles and villages that look like they are stuck in time. The Historic Cities of Eastern Germany and Central Europe tours meanwhile focus on the most historically interesting cities anywhere in Europe. The  Heart of Europe  tour takes you to the most impressive cities of 7 countries, It includes many scenic railways like the Transalpine railway through the Austrian Alps and the famous Swiss Glacier Express. Cruises on the beautiful Danube and over the Bodensee lake complete this unforgettable holiday.

Full package holidays, with hotels within walking distance of train stations

All train tickets and seat reservations included

Depart from the station in Europe of your choice

Train tickets

Highlighted trips, scenic trains in europe, about happyrail.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

10 of the best train journeys in Europe, chosen by Lonely Planet

A new book on rail travel across the continent showcases gorgeous scenery, historic routes and adventures at a slower pace

R ailways in Europe are many things. With their grand stations, history and evocative destinations, they evoke a timelessness that is absent from the uniform experience of flying. In recent decades, high-speed services have complemented classic routes, while the demand for more climate-friendly travel has grown and new options have sprung up, including a recent wave of night trains.

Lonely Planet, which for nearly 50 years has championed a down-to-earth, connected style of travel, has produced a new Guide to Train Travel in Europe aimed at unlocking adventures by rail from any starting point on the continent. Here the authors pick fantastic journeys from the book.

Paris to Berlin – fast or slow

A well-established network of high-speed trains and a huge choice of slower options connects two of Europe’s great cities. A glorious three-country tour would allow you to head from Paris to Brussels, travelling on to Cologne via the space-age architecture of Liège-Guillemins station. Cologne’s cathedral is so close to the station you can hardly miss popping in before boarding an onward ICE German fast service to the capital, which takes less than five hours. To see more than the immediate surroundings of the station buildings in each city, book separate tickets for each leg at trainline.com , or add in a stop of a few hours or an overnight booking via Deutsche Bahn ( bahn.de ). A high-speed connection from Paris via Frankfurt is also possible.

Amsterdam to Vienna on the Nightjet

One of several recent additions to Europe’s sleeper train scene, the Nightjet service operated by Austrian Railways ( oebb.at ) departs every evening at 7pm or 7.30pm from Amsterdam. As you doze off, the train will trundle alongside the Rhine, passing Cologne and Koblenz, then continuing south-east through Germany and entering Austria at Passau. A 9.19am arrival in Vienna ensures time for a lie-in and breakfast. This train can easily be combined with the Eurostar service from London or a ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam , or from Harwich to Hoek van Holland .

Loop the loop in North Wales

Some of the world’s most beautiful narrow-gauge railways can be found in Wales and two of the best can be combined in a loop that takes in the mountains and coastal scenery of Snowdonia. Catch a service from Llandudno Junction – which has main line connections – down the Conwy valley to Blaenau Ffestiniog . Change for the celebrated Ffestiniog Railway , a distinctive steam-hauled service that winds 13 miles down to the coast at Porthmadog. Return via the sublime steam service of the Welsh Highland Railway under the summit of Snowdon to Caernarfon, where you can catch a bus to Bangor and main line services.

From Bastia to Ajaccio through the Corsican interior

The Chemins de Fer de la Corse ( Corsican Railways ) is a narrow-gauge railway centred on Ponte Leccia – from where three main lines head to Ajaccio, Bastia and Calvi, all providing incredible views of beautiful and rugged terrain. The route linking Ajaccio and Bastia is the longest and most celebrated, taking three and a half hours, so is best done with an overnight stop, rather than attempted as a day trip. Corsica is well served by ferries from mainland France such as Toulon, Marseille and Nice, opening up a tempting train-and-ferry route from the UK.

Dublin to Madrid by train and ferry

It is possible to head from Dublin direct to mainland Europe. A largely single-track line skirts the Irish Sea heading south as far as Wicklow before veering inland and stopping in the appealing county town of Wexford, set on the estuary of the River Slaney. It’s a short hop along the tracks from there to the port of Rosslare for the twice-weekly ferries to Bilbao , which take about 30 hours. Then it’s a five-hour rail journey on to Madrid. Recommended stops take in Burgos’s treasured cathedral, the former Spanish capital of Valladolid and Segovia’s Roman aqueduct and Alcázar fortress.

Venice to Palermo – across the water in Italy

Heading from top to toe in Italy, this dramatic journey’s potential stopping points need no introduction. Fast Frecciarossa trains connect Venice to the gastronomic centre of Bologna in 90 minutes, with Florence 40 minutes down the line. An hour and a half further on you’re in Rome. From here the south of Italy opens up. For one of Europe’s most unusual rail experiences take a train service all the way to Sicily. At Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, you and your carriage board a dedicated ferry to Messina, in Sicily, from where the hectic fun of Palermo is a slow-rolling four and a half hours’ ride away along the coast. There are several daily intercity and night services that run from the mainland, via the ferry, through to the Sicilian capital including sleepers direct from Milan, Genoa and Pisa.

From coast to coast, via a mountain high – Oslo to Bergen

A contender for Europe’s best train trip, the Bergen Line ( Bergensbanen ) thunders past southern Norway’s mountains and lakes between Oslo and Bergen, reaching 1,222m at Finse station, where a snowball fight is generally on offer. The trip takes nearly seven hours, which passes quickly in a blur of incredible scenery on a comfortable intercity service. There’s scope to do a longer version of this route taking the Norway in a Nutshell tour, which includes the Flåm Railway – possibly the world’s most scenic branch line – and a boat journey through Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord.

Paris to Barcelona on the slow train

These cities are linked by a fast train , but there’s a leisurely route south through France to the Pyrenees via Limoges, Toulouse and through magnificent rural and mountain scenery to Latour-de-Carol. While it’s possible to reach Latour-de-Carol by direct night train from Paris, you would miss the slowly unfolding views you can enjoy when doing this journey in daylight. From Latour-de-Carol a commuter line runs all the way to Barcelona and takes just over three hours. Possible stops along the way include fortified Ribes de Freser and Ripoll, home to an ancient monastery and a good starting point for hiking trails.

Budapest to Split on a sleeper

During the summer there’s a tempting night service between Hungary’s capital and the Adriatic. In recent years the train has left Budapest at midnight, getting into Split after lunch. En route it passes the Hungarian holiday playground of Lake Balaton and Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. Once on the Adriatic coast, buses head south to Dubrovnik, while ferries and catamarans radiate out to nearby islands.

Locarno to Domodossola through the Swiss Alps

Pretty much any journey in Switzerland promises jaw-dropping scenery, and on several routes trains run slowly specifically to show off the mountains, rivers and lakes that can be seen from the window. Travelling between Locarno in Switzerland to Domodossola in the Piedmont region of Italy, the Centovalli (Hundred Valleys) Railway is a short but scenic service past 52km of waterfalls, chestnut groves, church-topped villages, deep ravines and vineyards. Highlights include the Isorno Bridge near the village of Intragna and Intragna’s gorge.

These routes, plus tips on rail travel, are featured in Lonely Planet’s Guide to Train Travel in Europe by Tom Hall, Imogen Hall and Oliver Smith (£19.99), available at shop.lonelyplanet.com

• Europe holidays
• Rail travel

Most viewed

Get our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip, get extra discounts, and show your Pass as you go.

Our favourite spring routes

Celebrate spring with these 7 off-the-beaten-path train routes

All about seat reservations

Everything you need to know about booking your seats

Alternatives to Busy Routes

Travel between popular European cities without seat reservations

Through our Chatbot in the bottom right corner.

Ask the Community

Browse questions from fellow Interrail travellers, or ask your own!

• Order overview
• Reservations overview
• My Trips & Travelers
• {{translatedTraveler}} {{#promotional}} {{currencySign}} {{standardPrice}} {{/promotional}} {{quantity}}x {{currencySign}} {{finalPrice}}
• Child {{childPasses}}x FREE
• {{translatedPassType}}
• {{translatedValidityPeriodDescription}}
• {{translatedClass}}
• Remove Pass(es)
• {{variant.localizedTravelPackDescription}} {{quantity}}x Free
• {{variant.localizedPassUpgradeDescription}} {{quantity}}x {{currency}} {{price}}
• Your order will arrive by {{expectedDeliveryDate}} 1 x {{currency}} {{price}}

Your cart is empty

Tour Europe with 1 rail Pass

Follow your curiosity around up to 33 countries, travelling at your own pace by train

Build your Interrail adventure in 4 steps

1 plan your route.

Plan where you’re going and which trains will take you there.

2 Find your Pass

Travel with a Global Pass or a One Country Pass - It’s up to you.

3 Reserve your seats

Do your trains need seat reservations? Book them early!

4 Activate your Pass

Add your Pass to the app, activate it, and jump on a train!

Secure your plans by reserving seats

Most popular rail passes.

Global Pass

5 travel days

• Travel any 5 days within 1 month
• Perfect for visiting 4–6 destinations
• Change your mind? 85% refundable

7 travel days

• Travel any 7 days within 1 month
• Perfect for visiting 6-8 destinations

”We were on the road for two months and traveled to 16 cities and 10 countries. Through Interrail you get the chance to create your own individual route.” Tamara and Natalie

“I had the freedom to go at my own pace and find unexpected adventures, enjoying spectacular landscapes and discovering natural beauty. In short, a unique and unforgettable adventure." Lucas

"I loved Interrailing! It was cool to see how trains operate in different countries, and how the European network is interlinked. I can’t wait for more international trains and for international rail travel to become the new norm!" Floris

“Travelling by train is more than just going from A to B. Your trip already starts at the station, and the experiences and encounters are priceless." Bram

Ready to travel?

Download our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip and show your Pass as you go.

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

The best train rides in Europe: 10 amazing journeys for 2024

Jan 16, 2024 • 8 min read

Incredible scenery awaits traveling through the Bernese Alps; Jungfrau, Switzerland © Thomas Barwick / Getty

There’s something magical about a journey by train.

Sometimes the magic is inside – on a train you have room to move and meet people, dine in a restaurant car with white tablecloths, and sleep in a private compartment between crisp, clean sheets with the sound of steel wheels swishing on the rails beneath you. Sometimes the magic is outside, in the landscape the train traverses – an adventure, an experience, an insight into the heart of a nation.

Below are some of the most beautiful train rides in Europe – some well known, some less so, some luxurious and expensive, others true bargains. From countryside views and mountain villages to alpine passes and landmark bridges (with a little wildlife spotting thrown in for good measure), the continent offers up some of the most scenic train rides in the world.

The best European train trips include the fabulous Bernina Express, the most enchanting Swiss Alpine ride of all, and the spectacular railway from Belgrade to Bar through the mountains of Montenegro . The latter is one of the most scenic train rides you’ve probably never heard of, with a bargain fare of just €21. So here they are, the 10 best train journeys in Europe, extracted from Lonely Planet's Amazing Train Journeys .

1. Settle to Carlisle, England

Route: Settle to Carlisle Best bit? Marveling at the Ribblehead Viaduct, one of the great views of northern England , preferably as a steam train thunders over. Distance:  113km (73 miles) Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

England’s Settle-to-Carlisle line has long been synonymous with the fight to preserve beautiful and historic stretches of railway. But this is no heritage line. Proudly part of the British rail network and served by regular mainline trains, the railway enjoys a double life as a frequent host of steam specials and, even rarer, steam-hauled mainline services.

Whether you have the whiff of steam in your nostrils or the hard-working growl of diesel-hauled regular trains in your ears, the views from the carriages are pretty much unmatched on the English railway network.

Passengers can feast their eyes on mile after mile of magnificent Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines scenery, interrupted only by stations so sweet you would expect to find them pictured on a box of biscuits.

2. Le Petit Train Jaune, France

Route: Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol Best bit? Holding your breath as you cross the gravity-defying Pont Gisclard. Distance:  63km (39 miles) Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

Since 1910, the dinky, sunflower-yellow carriages of the Ligne de Cerdagne have been rattling and clattering their way through the rolling forests and saw-toothed mountains of the Pyrenees , and they have secured a special place in the hearts of many French travelers.

Affectionately known as the Canary, or Le Petit Train Jaune (Little Yellow Train), this mountain railway is frequently cited as the most scenic in France , but it’s definitely not a luxury service – it’s a rollercoaster ride on which you will feel the wind in your hair and the chill of the mountain breeze as you ratchet your way up to the highest train station in France. On y va!

3. Belgrade-to-Bar Railway, Serbia and Montenegro

Route: Belgrade to Bar Best bit? Levitating atop the 499m-long (1637ft), 198m-tall (650ft) Mala Rijeka Viaduct, one of the planet’s highest railway bridges, before the train glides over the Balkans’ largest lake, Skadar. Distance: 476km (296 miles) Duration: 12 hours

Dramatic is the operative word for this route, which rumbles over an unsullied, mountainous landscape from Serbia 's capital, Belgrade , to Montenegro ’s Adriatic Coast . During the 12-hour journey, the train disappears into the Dinaric Alps, charges through canyons, teeters on stilted bridges spanning river gorges and skims atop an ancient, tectonic lake.

Like the region it serves, the railway, which chugs across the heart of the Western Balkans , eludes most tourists’ maps. The reward for treasure-hunting travelers, who are informed (or lucky) enough to know where to dig: an embarrassment of authentic culture and pristine geographic riches at every bend.

4. The Bernina Express, Switzerland

Route: Chur to Tirano Best bit? Marveling at the astonishingly turquoise Lago Bianco from the route’s highest station, Ospizio Bernina (2253m/7392ft). Distance: 156km (96 miles) Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

We can wax lyrical about the glacier-capped mountains, waterfall-draped ravines, jewel-colored lakes and endless spruce forests glimpsed through panoramic windows on Switzerland ’s Bernina Express – but, trust us, seeing is believing.

Rolling from Chur in Graubünden to Tirano in northern Italy in around four hours, this narrow-gauge train often tops polls of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys. It's certainly one of the most scenic train journeys in Switzerland.

Beyond the phenomenal Alpine landscape, the railway itself is a masterpiece of early 20th-century engineering, taking 55 tunnels and 196 bridges in its stride. The line is on the UNESCO World Heritage List – and with good reason.

5. The Heart of Wales Line, Wales and England

Route: Swansea to Shrewsbury Best bit? Disembarking at lonely Sugar Loaf Station for a walk or picnic around the iconic nearby knoll of the same name. Distance: 194km (121 miles) Duration: 4 hours

This is Swansea to Shrewsbury the slow and, frankly, surreal way. This one-carriage train traverses track through Wales and England that might easily have been consigned to a museum or an out-of-print book, but that has somehow defied time and logic to survive as a passenger route.

Expect a spectrum of scenery, alternating from the sand-edged estuaries of South Wales, via bucolic farming towns and tracts of forest and hill country you probably never knew existed, through to one of England’s prettiest medieval cities. This four-hour, 34-station zigzag passes almost no major sights or countryside villages, but a very high concentration of spectacularly zany ones.

6. Munich to Venice on the Brenner Railway, Germany, Austria and Italy

Route: Munich to Venice Best bit? Stretching your legs at 1371m (4498ft) Brenner Pass, the highest point on the trip. Distance:  563km (350 miles) Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes

The Brenner Railway is attractive for two key reasons: mountains and wine. There may be more technically astonishing high-altitude trains, but this was the first to cross the Alps, in the 1860s.

On a surprisingly speedy day trip, you pass through three countries – Germany , Austria and Italy – and descend from the snow line to sea level. You’re rarely far from highways, but the vineyard views are still stunning. Bonus: great European cities with historic architecture – Munich and Venice – are at either end.

7. The Kyle of Lochalsh Line, Scotland

Route: Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh Best bit? Passing under the gentle grassy slopes of Fionn Bheinn – a munro rising high over Achnasheen. Distance:  135km (84 miles) Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Scotland has an abundance of windswept railways – the West Highland Line and the Far North Line to Thurso among them. Though comparatively unsung, perhaps the loneliest of all is the Kyle of Lochalsh Line – with trains rumbling doggedly from Inverness through desolate glens and past snowy munros, connecting the cold shores of the North Sea to the furious whitewater of the Atlantic.

It is a railway line full of poetry and beloved by aficionados – but it’s also a useful way for independent travelers to access remote nooks of the Highlands, and make a journey to the Isle of Skye.

8. Nova Gorica to Jesenice, Slovenia

Route: Nova Gorica to Jesenice Best bit? Catching a glimpse of picture-perfect Lake Bled’s church, castle and bright-blue water. Distance: 89km (55 miles) Duration: 2 hours

Here is a near-perfect railway adventure that most people have never heard of. Then again, you could be forgiven for missing it. The Bohinj Railway, after all, connects two places whose significance can be lost to modern travelers. Europe’s shifting borders and politics may have rather marooned the Nova Gorica–Jesenice line, but that only adds to the appeal.

An unassuming regional train rattling out of a faded-grandeur halt on the Italy– Slovenia border doesn’t even hint at what’s to come. The journey is a spectacular tour of Slovenia’s upland highlights, climbing through mountain towns and villages along the Soča River, passing through superb Alpine scenery close to Lake Bohinj , and past world-famous Lake Bled , offering photo opportunities galore.

9. The Centovalli Express, Switzerland and Italy

Route: Domodossola to Locarno Best bit? Taking in the Isorno viaduct, the site of Switzerland’s first bungee jump. Distance:  52km (32 miles) Duration: 2 hours

Often eclipsed by Switzerland’s more famous rail rides, this two-hour trundle from Locarno on the palm-rimmed shores of Lake Maggiore to Domodossola over the Italian border in Piedmont is something of an unsung beauty.

Brush up your Italiano to swoon in sync with fellow passengers as the dinky train clatters across 83 bridges and burrows its way through 34 tunnels. The views make for spirit-lifting stuff: waterfalls shooting past cliffside views, hillside vineyards, gracefully arched viaducts, slate-roofed hamlets, glacier-carved ravines and mile after mile of chestnut and beech forests, all set against the puckered backdrop of mountains that are snow-capped in winter.

10. Bergensbanen, Norway

Route: Oslo to Bergen Best bit? Gazing over the soul-stirring landscape of Hardangervidda between Geilo and Finse. Distance: 496km (308 miles) Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes

This astonishing train is one of the wonders of 19th-century railway building, and yet outside Norway hardly anyone knows about it. In just over six hours and some 490km (300 miles), it covers the spectrum of Norway ’s natural splendor: climbing canyons, crossing rivers, burrowing through mountainsides, swooping past fjords and traversing barren icescapes. All aboard for the Oslo to Bergen trainline, Bergensbanen: a mainline into Norwegian nature.

This article was first published August 2019 and updated January 2024

Explore related stories

Sustainable Travel

Jan 2, 2024 • 11 min read

From cutting through the countryside to connecting cities, these 24 railway journeys offer entirely new perspectives on a destination.

Oct 19, 2023 • 8 min read

Jul 5, 2023 • 5 min read

Jun 16, 2023 • 5 min read

May 19, 2023 • 12 min read

Dec 9, 2022 • 9 min read

Apr 28, 2022 • 2 min read

Sep 20, 2021 • 5 min read

Jan 3, 2021 • 4 min read

Dec 10, 2020 • 3 min read

Easily plan a European rail trip with Eurail Planner

Our free app makes it easy to plan and book everything you need for your trip around Europe.

Plan the best route across Europe and see your eurotrip come to life.

See your day-by-day trip itinerary, so you know when you’ll be in each European city.

Accommodation Search

Instantly search for the best accommodation for the dates and destinations in your plan.

View durations for each rail journey on your route through Europe.

Share your plan with friends and family.

Premium Features

Unlock extra features and exclusive discounts with Eurail Planner Premium - planning your eurotrip has never been simpler.

Track your pass restrictions so you don't break the rules.

Stay in budget with a trip cost estimate that updates as you edit.

Add notes to your plan as you research your trip.

Get exclusive offers with our Premium account.

Multiple Plans

Create & save as many routes as you like.

Most popular Eurail routes

Get inspired by these popular Eurail routes. Each trip can be booked as a standard package or you can customize it and request a quote using our route planner.

Buy your Eurail pass

Whether you want to explore one country, several, or all of Europe there is a Eurail pass to suit your travel needs.

Flexi Global Pass

Travel in 33 countries with a set number of travel days in a 1-2 month period

Continuous Global Pass

Unlimited travel across 33 countries for up to 3 months

One Country Pass

Delve deeper into one of 30 European countries over 1 month

Ready to plan your Eurail trip?

Get our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip, get extra discounts, and show your Pass as you go.

Our favorite spring routes

Celebrate spring with these 7 off-the-beaten-path train routes

All about seat reservations

Everything you need to know about booking your seats

Alternatives to Busy Routes

Travel between popular European cities without seat reservations

Through our Chatbot in the bottom right corner.

Ask the Community

Browse questions from fellow Eurail travellers, or ask your own!

Passes guide

• Order overview
• Reservations overview
• My Trips & Travelers
• {{translatedTraveler}} {{#promotional}} {{currencySign}} {{standardPrice}} {{/promotional}} {{quantity}}x {{currencySign}} {{finalPrice}}
• Child {{childPasses}}x FREE
• {{translatedPassType}}
• {{translatedValidityPeriodDescription}}
• {{translatedClass}}
• Remove Pass(es)
• {{variant.localizedTravelPackDescription}} {{quantity}}x Free
• {{variant.localizedPassUpgradeDescription}} {{quantity}}x {{currency}} {{price}}
• Your order will arrive by {{expectedDeliveryDate}} 1 x {{currency}} {{price}}

Your cart is empty

Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass

Which Eurail Pass should you choose?

Travel in 2 or more countries

Eurail Global Pass

Travel by train to over 30,000 destinations in  33 European countries  with our classic rail Pass. Choose this for multi-country trips or if you haven't decided on your destination.

Travel in 1 country

Eurail One Country Pass

Only got one country on your mind? Explore as much of it as you like with a Eurail One Country Pass. You'll feel like a local in no time!

Meet our bestsellers

Global Pass

7 travel days

• Travel on any 7 days within 1 month
• Perfect for visiting 6-8 destinations
• 85% refundable if you change your mind

10 travel days

• Travel on any 10 days within 2 months
• Perfect for visiting 9–11 destinations

What's included in the Pass?

Hop on and off most trains in 33 European countries  just by showing your Pass.

Free and instant delivery to your device if you choose mobile Pass.

Download the free  Rail Planner app  to plan your trip, store your Pass and show your ticket as you go.

Get extra benefits and discounts as you travel  with our 100+ partners across Europe.

Eurail has flexible  exchange and return policies  that let you book with confidence.

Seat reservations.  You'll need to pay an extra fee to reserve a seat or sleeper on  high-speed trains, night trains and popular routes . Find out more about reservations  here .

Other public transport.  Eurail only covers trains. Trams, buses, rental bikes and metros are not covered by your Pass. Though you can get a  discount in some cities .

Accommodation.  You'll need to book and pay for this separately, though you can get a  discount with our accommodation partners .

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

How to Travel Through Europe by Train Like a Pro

Last Updated on June 8, 2023

Traveling through Europe by train is a wonderful experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. It is a cost-effective and sustainable way to travel that gives you a chance to see the breathtaking scenery of Europe. 

However, train travel can also be overwhelming for first-timers. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on traveling through Europe by train like a pro.

Make an Itinerary

The first step to traveling through Europe by train like a pro is to plan ahead. Research your destinations and create a rough itinerary of the places you want to visit, as well as the duration of your stay. You can use websites such as Rail Europe or Eurail to plan your train journeys and book tickets in advance. This can save you money, time, and heartache on your adventure!

Buy a Rail Pass

If you plan to take multiple train journeys during your trip, buying a rail pass is worth considering. A rail pass allows you to travel on most trains in Europe without purchasing individual tickets for each journey. Different types of rail passes are available, depending on the length of your trip and the countries you want to visit.

Utilize Nearby Luggage Storage

When traveling through Europe by train, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to store your luggage temporarily. This can happen if you arrive at your destination before your hotel check-in time or want to explore a city without carrying heavy bags.

Fortunately, many train stations in Europe offer luggage storage facilities. For example, if you’re spending the day in St. Pancras, simply look for luggage storage in St. Pancras . Now, you can explore the city with peace of mind — and no heavy bags weighing you down.

Choose Your Train

When traveling through Europe by train , you can take high-speed trains, regional trains, or overnight trains. High-speed trains, such as the Eurostar or TGV, are faster and more expensive than regional trains. However, they are a smart option for longer journeys or days you want to travel between two distant cities in a short amount of time.

Regional trains, on the other hand, are slower but cheaper. They are an option if you want to explore smaller towns and villages along your route. Overnight trains, such as the Nightjet, allow you to save time and money by combining transportation and accommodation.

One of the advantages of traveling through Europe by train is the ability to easily move from one place to another. However, this can be difficult if you are carrying a heavy suitcase. Therefore, it is important to pack light and only bring the essentials. A backpack or a small suitcase is ideal for train travel.

Arrive Early

You should arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before your train departure time. This allows you to find your platform, check the train timetable, and board the train stress-free. After all, when a train says it leaves at 10:00, you best believe it’ll be on the move promptly at 10:00.

Additionally, arriving early can give you time to grab a coffee or a snack from one of the many cafes at the train station.

Validate Your Ticket

If you have purchased individual train tickets, don’t forget to validate them before boarding the train. You can do this at the yellow validation machines located at the train station. Failure to validate your ticket can result in a fine if you are caught by a ticket inspector on the train.

Keep Your Ticket Handy

Once you have boarded the train, it is important to keep your ticket handy. Ticket inspectors may ask to see your ticket any time during the journey, so it is best to have it easily accessible. Additionally, some trains have a designated area for luggage storage, so be sure to keep your bags in the appropriate area.

Bring Your Own Food

While some trains have dining cars or food carts, it is always a good idea to bring your own food and snacks for the journey. This can save you money and ensure that you have something to eat if the train has no food options or limited options.

Enjoy the Scenery

Last but not least, one of the most important things to remember when traveling through Europe by train is to take the time to enjoy the scenery. Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and architecture, and traveling by train allows you to see it all from a unique perspective.

Happy Travels!

Traveling through Europe by train is a fantastic experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. With these tips, you can travel like a pro and make the most of your journey. Remember to plan ahead, pack light, and most importantly, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Related posts:

• Why you should travel by train in Europe (and how to book tickets)
• Exploring France by train: Our top five train rides in France
• How to Travel around Europe on the Cheap
• Things to Know Before You Board a Train from Vienna to Prague

Identifiez-vous

Échec de la demande.

Nouvel utilisateur?

Pas encore de compte? Inscrivez-vous et bénéficiez des avantages de MyTrain:

• Mémorisation de vos préférences et données personnelles: confort et gain de temps!
• Possibilité d'échanger et annuler vos réservations en ligne .
• Une identification plus aisée dans nos gares et auprès de notre Contact Center .

#MF_CompleteAppleAccount#

Gérez vos réservations.

Vous avez réservé des billets de train chez SNCB International - en ligne, via notre application ou notre Contact Center ? Via MyTrain, vous retrouverez facilement toutes vos données de réservation, comme les heures de départ et de retour ou votre numéro de siège.

Avec votre profil MyTrain, vous bénéficiez aussi d'autres avantages :

• Annulez ou modifiez vos réservations en ligne
• Réimprimez à tout instant vos billets
• Sauvegardez vos données et vos préférences de voyage et gagnez du temps lors de vos prochaines réservations

Veuillez patienter

Chargement de la page en cours

Cartes de réduction

Voici les cartes de réduction applicables sur notre site. Si vous voulez faire valoir une autre carte de réduction, veuillez appeler le Contact Center. Attention : vous devrez présenter un justificatif ou titre de légitimation  lors du contrôle à bord.  

Cartes de fidélité

Actus & promos, hello netherlands.

Rejoignez les Pays-Bas tous les jours depuis Bruxelles avec l'un des 16 trains InterCity.

CET ÉTÉ À PARIS

Cet été, c'est à Paris que la flamme brûlera. Allez-y avec le train Eurocity Bruxelles-Paris pour ne rien manquer des exploits sportifs.

TARIFS FLEXIBLES

Nouvelles conditions tarifaires assouplies pour les billets Eurostar achetés à partir du 23 avril 2024. Pour encore plus de flexibilité !

8 astuces pour acheter vos voyages internationaux au meilleur tarif.

NEWSLETTER SNCB INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER

Vos données ont été mises à jour, vos destinations favorites.

• Destinations
• Disneyland®Paris
• InterCity Bruxelles - Amsterdam
• Eurostar Sun
• Bruxelles-Paris
• Bruxelles-Londres
• Bruxelles-Amsterdam
• Bruxelles-Lille
• Bruxelles-Cologne
• Bruxelles-Vienne
• Amsterdam-Paris
• Paris-Londres
• Notre société
• À propos de SNCB International
• Informations juridiques Infos juridiques
• Conditions de transport
• Droits des voyageurs
• Correspondance manquée
• Conditions de vente
• Déclaration d'accessibilité

Rail Europe for agents

Book European train tickets for your customers, the easy way.

One-stop shop for European trains

Our product offers focus on European train operators such as SNCF, SBB, Eurostar, Thalys, Trenitalia, Italo, DB, Renfe, OUIGO Spain and National Rail, and railpasses including the Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Passes.

Easily access and book train journeys

Rail Europe offers a wide range of partnership opportunities and distribution technologies to suit every business model: API, trade website, white label, search API, affiliation.

Our benefits

Voyager en train en France

Informations pratiques.

Temps de lecture: 0 min Publié le 25 avril 2024, mise à jour le 26 avril 2024

En plus d’être écologique, il a l’avantage d’être rapide et reposant. Mais voyager en train demande aussi une certaine logistique : TER ou TGV ? Peut-on voyager de nuit ? Faut-il un billet pour mon vélo ? Où acheter ses billets ? Départ imminent pour tout savoir sur les voyages en train.

• Bon à savoir 

Pour vous aider à y voir plus clair et comprendre le réseau ferré français, deux types de trains sillonnent la France de l’est à l’ouest et du nord au sud : les TGV et les TER qui appartiennent au groupe SNCF voyageur. Comme son nom l’indique, les TGV - Trains à Grande Vitesse, sont des trains qui se déplacent rapidement sur des lignes standards adaptées ou sur des lignes spécialisées, avec des vitesses parfois supérieures à 250 km/h. Les TER - Transport Express Régional - sont généralement plus lents et désignent l’ensemble des trains de desserte régionale et locale exploités par SNCF Voyageurs. Le maillage des voies ferrées en France est très dense et permet de se déplacer partout et facilement sur le territoire national. La carte du réseau ferré en France vous permettra d’apprécier l’étendue de la couverture ferroviaire. Mode d’emploi des lignes les plus utiles, belles ou insolites. 

Les trains européens, des trajets pratiques de l’Europe vers la France

Au cœur de l’Europe, la France est idéalement située pour venir la visiter. Avec près de 40 destinations dans 15 pays européens différents, le réseau ferroviaire européen ne cesse de se développer et permet aujourd’hui de voyager en France depuis un grand nombre de villes européennes.

• Avec le TGV INOUI ou le Renfe-SNCF vous pourrez vous rendre à Paris gare de Lyon ou Lyon Part-Dieu depuis l’Espagne.   
• Partez de l’Italie avec Frecciarossa ou TGV INOUI. Depuis Milan ou Turin vous serez en quelques heures seulement à Paris gare de Lyon ou à Lyon Part Dieu.  
• Direction Paris gare de Lyon, Bordeaux ou Lyon depuis la Suisse avec le TGV Lyria.   
• L’Allemagne désert aussi différentes villes françaises comme Paris ou Lille. Grâce aux trains de DB-SNCF la France est très accessible.  
• Pays frontalier de la France, nos voisins Belges pourrons se rendre à Paris, Lille, Rennes ou encore Nantes via  le Thalys ou le TGV INOUI depuis la capitale Bruxelloise.   
• Avec le Thalys encore vous pourrez déposer vos valises à Paris depuis les Pays-Bas.   
• Des envies parisiennes depuis l’Angleterre, rien de plus simple avec l’Eurostar et son tunnel sous la manche.   
• D’autres départs sont possibles pour arriver en France, comme Le Danemark (TGV INOUI et Intercity), le Portugal (TGV INOUI et OUIGO), La Slovénie (TGV Lyria et Euronight), la Pologne (TGV INOUI et ICE) et enfin l’Autriche ou encore la Slovaquie avec ÖBB. 

Bon à savoir : le Pass Interrail, spécialement imaginé pour les voyages en train en Europe permet des escapades dans toute l’Europe avec plus de 40 000 destinations réparties dans 33 pays. Pour comprendre le maillage existant à l’échelle nationale et européenne vous pouvez consulter la  carte du réseau ferroviaire en Europe .

Plus d'informations sur les voyages en train depuis l’Europe vers la France et sur le Pass interrail (SNCF Voyageurs)   

Les trains de nuit, une petite aventure et un réveil à destination !

• Parcourir des kilomètres en dormant est tout à fait possible avec les trains de nuit. Ils avaient presque disparu de la circulation mais depuis quelques années ils reviennent en force pour le plus grand bonheur des voyageurs avides d’aventures. Voici tout ce qu’il faut savoir sur ces trains un peu particuliers qui vous permettent de partir de Paris et de vous réveiller à Nice ou bien à Venise.  
• Au niveau national, les trains de nuit partent tous au départ de la gare de Paris-Austerlitz vers différentes villes françaises grâce à 8 lignes de train de nuit Intercités :  Paris-Nice (via Marseille, Toulon, Cannes), Paris-Toulouse (via Cahors, Montauban), Paris-Cerbère (via Nîmes, Montpellier et Perpignan), Paris-Latour-de-Carol (via Foix) Paris-Albi (via Rodez), Paris-Briançon (via Gap), Paris-Tarbes (via Dax, Bayonne et Pau) et Paris-Aurillac.  
• Outre les trajets nocturnes, il est aussi possible de voyager par les  trains de nuit en Europe pour se rendre en France. Vous pouvez arriver à Paris depuis Vienne. Cette ligne vous permettra grâce au Nightjet, le train de nuit de la compagnie ÖBB, de partir de la capitale autrichienne pour vous rendre à la gare de l’est (Paris) ou la gare de Strasbourg. Ce train dessert de nombreuses gares comme Munich (Allemagne) ou encore Salzbourg (Autriche).  
• Il est aussi possible de se rendre à Paris en train de nuit depuis Venise par le mythique Orient Express. Embarquez dans un train féérique rempli d’histoire pour un voyage au cœur du luxe et de la dolce vita italienne. Entre campagne et village, montagne et vallée, ce train n’a pas fini de vous surprendre. Autre possibilité :  se rendre à Paris depuis Berlin le temps d’un court voyage onirique. D’autres lignes sont en développement et devraient voir le jour dans les prochaines années. C’est le cas de la ligne : Zurich- Barcelone via Lyon et Montpellier,   Amsterdam-Barcelone via Bruxelles et Lille, Paris-Venise via Milan, Paris-Rome via Florence, Paris-Barcelone et enfin Paris-Madrid.  
• Face à la concurrence des autres moyens de transport comme la voiture mais surtout l’avion, les trains de nuit disposent de nombreux avantages. Ils constituent déjà la garantie d’une expérience insolite. Ils sont aussi écologiques et économiques puisqu’ils vous permettent d’économiser une nuit d’hôtel en vous réveillant directement à destination. Ils offrent un gain de temps pour profiter plus une fois sur place. Ils permettent d’avoir accès à différents services (douche en gare, possibilité de mettre son vélo, kit de nuit en couchette, restauration avec des produits locaux et de qualité, un service de réveil). Les femmes peuvent bénéficier des compartiments « dame seules ». Que cela soit en place assise (avec repose pieds et appui tête), en couchette, ou en espace privatif, profitez d’un espace reposant pour voyager en toute tranquillité.

Les trains slow tourisme pour ralentir et déconnecter

Voyager en slow tourisme c’est prendre le contre-pied d’une vie à cent à l’heure pour préférer l’apologie de la lenteur. Cet éloge permet de découvrir ou redécouvrir les paysages sous un nouvel angle, admirer la diversité de la nature et découvrir ou redécouvrir un patrimoine culturel, architectural, gastronomique ou historique. En France, quelques pépites méritent le détour, mais attention, ces lignes ferment à certains moments de l’année.

• Le train des Pignes permet de voyager entre Nice et Dignes les Bains à une vitesse moyenne de 60 km/h sur près de 150 kilomètres à la découverte de la vallée des Alpes du sud. 
• La ligne des Hirondelles est considérée comme l’une des plus belles de France. Explorez le Jura et ses reliefs pendant 2h30 au cœur du patrimoine historique et naturel de cette chaîne de montagne française. 
• Le train Jaune , au cœur des Pyrénées Orientales est un train mythique vieux de 110 ans. À bord, on admire les Pyrénées catalanes sur une ligne à flanc de montagne. 
• Le train de la côte bleue , situé entre Miramas et Marseille, suit un parcours envoûtant de 60 kilomètres entre le bleu du ciel, azur de la mer et turquoise des calanques. 
• Le train d’Artouste , perché à plus de 2000 m d’altitude (ce qui en fait l’un des plus hauts trains d’Europe) vous permettra de surplomber la Vallée d’Ossau et ses panoramas préservés et majestueux.‌ 

- L'Occitanie Rail Tour, trains d’Occitanie est l’occasion rêvée de découvrir une région pleine de surprises aux paysages pluriels. Ces trains vous emmènent à travers 19 itinéraires à la découverte des Pyrénées, de l'Aubrac, des Gorges du Tarn mais aussi vers Toulouse, Montpellier ou Lourdes. Grâce à eux vous pourrez aussi visiter 41 sites incontournables et exceptionnels comme Carcassonne, Rocamadour et le pic du Midi. En 2023, ces lignes ont gagné le "Rail Tourism Award" de la meilleure initiative régionale visant à favoriser le train comme mode de déplacement écologique, à bas carbone.

Pour en savoir plus :  Occitanie Rail Tour.

Quelques conseils pour voyager…

Avec un vélo 

• Les vélos à bord sont en accès libre et gratuits dans le TER dans les espaces dédiés et dans la limite des places disponibles. Pour éviter les mauvaises surprises, nous vous conseillons d’éviter les horaires d’affluence et d’être en gare au moins 15 minutes avant l’arrivée du train. Lors de la réservation, il n’est pas nécessaire de spécifier votre vélo. Cependant certaines spécificités régionales existent donc renseignez-vous avant de partir.  
• Si vous voyagez en train Intercités, il existe des espaces pour les vélos non pliés ou démontés. Sachez qu’il faudra tout de même indiquer dans votre réservation la présence d’un vélo (un supplément de 5 € sur les Intercités sans réservation obligatoire et 10 € sur ceux à réservation obligatoire vous seront demandés).  
• Enfin pour les TGV, dans les trajets internationaux aucun espace n’est prévu pour les vélos non démontés. En fonction de votre destination, certains TGV nationaux proposent malgré tout, des espaces pour les vélos non pliés (un supplément de 10 euros vous sera facturé).

Avec un bébé

Il n’y a pas d’âge minimum pour voyager avec  un bébé à bord . En France, le train est gratuit et sans billet pour tous les enfants de moins de 4 ans. Cette gratuité n’est valable que si l’enfant voyage sur vos genoux. Si ce n’est pas le cas, le « tarif bambin » de la SNCF permet un prix unique de 9 euros. Pour les voyages de nuit le principe est le même, le trajet est gratuit si votre enfant partage la même couchette que vous et au tarif de 9 euros (« forfait bambin nuit ») si ce n’est pas le cas.

Avec un animal 

Il est tout à fait possible de voyager avec  son animal de compagnie pour 7 euros, quel que soit son poids. Il faut le préciser à la réservation. Les animaux de moins de 6 kilos voyageront dans une caisse de transport. Pour ceux de plus de 6 kilos, ils devront être en laisse, muselés et sous votre siège. Enfin, sachez que les chiens considérés comme dangereux (catégorie 1 ou 2) ne sont pas admis à bord. 

Où réserver et acheter mes billets ?

Via l’application SNCF Connect , téléchargeable gratuitement sur vos smartphone et tablette ou de vous rendre directement sur le site internet.

Astuces prix réduits !

En France, pour voyager moins cher, les trains  Ouigo , une branche low-cost de la SNCF permet de voyager à plus petits prix. 

Pour ceux qui voyagent régulièrement, il existe des  abonnements et cartes de réduction qui vous permettront de profiter de prix avantageux aussi bien pour voyager en TER qu’en TGV. 

En savoir plus : 

• SNCF Connect 

A lire aussi : 

Voyager dans les trains les plus insolites de France

Par Hugo GARCIA

Sociologue de formation, Hugo prête sa plume à différents médias. Véritable touche à tout, son expérience sur le terrain donne corps à ses mots.

S’évader autrement

Venir et se déplacer en train

Voyager en train avec son vélo

• Se déplacer en France en mobilités douces

5 campings entre terre et mer pour des vacances sportives dans le Sud de la France

Glamping dans le Sud de la France : nos 5 bonnes adresses

6 campings pour un séjour en famille dans le Sud de la France

A la découverte de la Route touristique du Champagne

La Champagne

• Recharger son véhicule électrique
• Vignette Crit’Air : comment ça marche ?
• Découvrir la France à vélo : mode d'emploi